Cardinal Climber from seed | sow in spring | Texas Gulf Coast Zone 9a/b

This annual vine (Ipomoea x multifida) is grown from seed and it is a hybrid cross between red cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) and red morning glory (Ipomoea coccinea). It easily climbs up trellises, poles, arbors, and even fishing line. We direct sow the seed after soaking in water for over 24 hours. The red trumpet shaped blooms last only 1 day, but it is a prolific bloomer from late summer into fall. For us along the Texas Gulf Coast is blooms for the annual hummingbird migration.

[@lindylou3519]

It’s been awhile since I’ve grown the Cardinal Climber. Love them & their frilly leaves.❤

[@ButterfliesNBirds]

That is a great description of their leaves ... frilly!

[@eleanormarcellus8676]

Great info THX

[@ButterfliesNBirds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davettayoung1495]

Hi my Cardinal Climber friend ❤ I sowed mine outside yesterday. I’m super excited! Thank you for sharing this video of your beautiful yard. I followed your advice on soaking the seeds, and they germinated in 3 days! Can’t wait to see these beautiful flowers 🌺

[@ButterfliesNBirds]

We were in a hurry during one of our plantings this year and soaked the cardinal climber seeds for only 4 hours. It took them quite a few days to germinate. We didn't do that with the next planting 3 weeks later, as we soaked those seeds for over 24 hours and they germinated in a couple of days. I hope we have learned our lesson ... again! 😂

[@davettayoung1495]

@@ButterfliesNBirds, ah yes. The first seeds I let soak for two days, and they germinated. I got a little anxious and started seedlings 🌱 with no soaking, and let’s just say, I’m still waiting 😁 I won’t do that again either 😂

[@davettayoung1495]

@@ButterfliesNBirds I have a question. As planted seedlings, do they need to be in direct sun right now? I have mine in a pot with a trellis.

[@ButterfliesNBirds]

😂 I know better and I still did it. Lol.

[@ButterfliesNBirds]

They do grow the best in direct sun with regular water. But if you have them protected right now that probably won't be an issue if they are in bright light even if it isn't direct sunlight. We planted this last succession on each side of our new garden bed, and the side that is getting more sun is growing faster.

[@GlendasTexasGarden]

I have never grown the Cardinal Climer, but I have grown the Cypress Vine.

[@ButterfliesNBirds]

What did you think of the cypress vine? I haven't grown it.

[@GlendasTexasGarden]

@@ButterfliesNBirds I like it, but it will drop seed and come back the next year. It gets a pretty star shaped red flower.

[@ButterfliesNBirds]

Cardinal climber drops seed too, but I don't seem to get volunteers the next spring. The seeds will germinate all summer until our first frost, but that seems to kill them.

[@wesleyhackney]

Planted mine late, April 13 but soaked them 24 hrs and came up like yours in 2 days. I can believe how fast they grow. So did I see you already have a bloom on one of yours? I grow mine on a trellis like yours but when the get to the top they are a part of an 8x12 gazebo so o get lots of coverage it’s really spectacular.

[@ButterfliesNBirds]

That has to be an impressive look up a trellis and over your gazebo! 🤩